Hamilton

Savour the grandeur of Hamilton, with imposing buildings, majestic homesteads and manicured gardens the legacy of a prosperous wool-growing heritage.

Refined recreation
Uncover the stories of the wealthy pastoralists through their rich and diverse treasures now on display at the Hamilton Art Gallery, one of Australia's finest regional galleries.

Picnic in the tranquil scenery of Lake Hamilton. Try fishing, water skiing, sailing and canoeing or traverse the vast and beautiful landscape of green rolling hills, ancient red gums, dormant volcanoes and impressive waterfalls by car, bike or on foot.

Play games and picnic among the enormous English oaks and fountains of the William Guilfoyle-designed botanical garden, where plantings started in the 1870s. Admire Hamilton's skyline, dominated by church spires built in the late 1800s.

Take advantage of Hamilton's proximity to the Henty wine region, and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine with a meal at one of the town's eateries.

Wool growing heritage
See the difference between the regional centres built on gold riches, and Hamilton, which was built on wool and was once known as the 'wool capital of the world'. Originally named Grange Burn, Hamilton's settlement grew as a result of the Western District's strong pastoral development. The squatters and their wool were of great economic and social importance to the growth of the town.

Culture and history
Catch up on Australia's aviation history at the Ansett Transport Museum, which tells the story of how Sir Reginald Ansett grew his small transport operation into a huge empire.

Ingest more wool history in the Hamilton Pastoral Museum – and if you want to be part of today's action, head for the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange and see up to 50,000 lambs being yarded for sale each Wednesday.